I took an EXTREMELY long time off of running because it has been so stinkin' cold outside!

This week I have hit the road again, this time with James and jogging stroller in tow. It definitely makes training for the 5k a bit tougher, but on the upside I don't have to wait on a babysitter.

This morning I stepped outside my front door to go running and slipped on the sheet of ice covering my front step. This forced me into doing the splits which resulted in much pain. As much as it hurts today, it'll really be a doozy tomorrow. A pulled groin is no laughing matter, but I can't help recalling the words of Bugs Bunny:

"Watch out for that first step, it's a real lulu!"

The Couch-to-5k Plan consists of 9 weeks training. I have completed week one.

I'm proud of myself for taking the first step, but a little disappointed in how out-of-shape I am. It has been a loooong time since H.S. softball & volleyball practices forced me to exercise. 3 months until the 5k in C-U!

During my senior year at U of I, I resolved, along with some gal pals, to run a 5k. Never before had I been a runner. An athlete, yes, but never a runner. In fact, my general slowness and flat feet had always been a hindrance in sports. So I began to train slowly and surely by running at CRCE. Until...

...my shins began to ache so badly I could barely walk. After some healing time, a helpful consultation with an expert at Body N' Sole and some special running shoes, the shin splints went away. But my confidence was shattered and I gave up on my goal. Thanks to some inspiration from my brother and sister-in-law plus an awesome husband who is good at running, I have decided to run my first 5k on April 11, 2009. It should be a good time, with the race ending on the 50 yard line at Memorial Stadium.

Today was my first day of training. I alternated walking and jogging according to Day 1 Week 1 of the Couch to 5k plan which took me about 24 minutes. In that time I covered 1.5 miles. Not shabby for a first effort, I think.